George Michael: Artist Essentials

First released: 1987 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1987 release history of Faith. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1987 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Faith

Faith - original album program and separate bonus versions
The Sony catalog gives the original 1987 album and its ten-track program, including Father Figure, One More Try, Kissing a Fool and the original Monkey. Later deluxe bonus tracks have separate version labels; their default album dates do not establish their first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1984 (year verified)

The official anniversary history dates George Michael's original solo single to 1984. Its later Wham! album appearance and the live recording first issued in 2024 are separate release events.

Recording: Original 1984 solo studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original single: Careless Whisper

Careless Whisper - official 40th anniversary release history
The official Sony/artist anniversary page identifies the original solo single's 1984 release. The subsequent Make It Big album association does not turn the selected solo recording into a newly dated Wham! performance. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

Careless Whisper - official original and later version distinction
The artist store distinguishes the original 1984 recording and extended/instrumental mixes from the previously unreleased Madison Square Garden live performance issued in 2024. The new package is not used as the original recording date. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1990 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1990 release history of Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1990 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1

Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 - original album metadata
The original ten-track studio program is dated 1990, separately from the 2017 remaster. Heal the Pain is the original solo performance, not the later Paul McCartney duet. Praying for Time's pre-album single was also in 1990. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1987 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1987 release history of Faith. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1987 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Faith

Faith - original album program and separate bonus versions
The Sony catalog gives the original 1987 album and its ten-track program, including Father Figure, One More Try, Kissing a Fool and the original Monkey. Later deluxe bonus tracks have separate version labels; their default album dates do not establish their first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1987 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1987 release history of Faith. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1987 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Faith

Faith - original album program and separate bonus versions
The Sony catalog gives the original 1987 album and its ten-track program, including Father Figure, One More Try, Kissing a Fool and the original Monkey. Later deluxe bonus tracks have separate version labels; their default album dates do not establish their first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1990 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1990 release history of Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1990 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1

Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 - original album metadata
The original ten-track studio program is dated 1990, separately from the 2017 remaster. Heal the Pain is the original solo performance, not the later Paul McCartney duet. Praying for Time's pre-album single was also in 1990. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1996 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1996 release history of Older. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1996 Fastlove Part 1 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Older

Older - original album and recording metadata
The original 1996 program identifies Jesus to a Child, Fastlove Part 1, Spinning the Wheel and You Have Been Loved. Jesus to a Child and Fastlove retain earlier single dates within that year; later remixes and Star People '97 are not substituted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1996 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1996 release history of Older. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1996 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Older

Older - original album and recording metadata
The original 1996 program identifies Jesus to a Child, Fastlove Part 1, Spinning the Wheel and You Have Been Loved. Jesus to a Child and Fastlove retain earlier single dates within that year; later remixes and Star People '97 are not substituted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1986 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1986 release history of A Different Corner. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1986 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original single: A Different Corner

A Different Corner - original Sony recording date and solo credit
The original song retains its 1986 date and George Michael solo credit inside later compilation metadata. The compilation date and Wham! album association are not its first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1991 (year verified)

The official history identifies the Wembley Arena duet recorded in March 1991 and released as a single in November 1991. Elton John's 1974 solo record and the 1985 Live Aid performance are different recordings.

Recording: Original 1991 Wembley Arena live duet recording
Credit: George Michael and Elton John
Role in this collection: Co-lead vocalist with Elton John

Original single: Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me - official 1991 live duet history
Elton John's official history identifies the March 1991 Wembley Arena duet with George Michael and its November 1991 US/UK single release. It distinguishes the 1974 solo studio recording and the 1985 Live Aid performance. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1987 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1987 release history of Faith. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1987 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Faith

Faith - original album program and separate bonus versions
The Sony catalog gives the original 1987 album and its ten-track program, including Father Figure, One More Try, Kissing a Fool and the original Monkey. Later deluxe bonus tracks have separate version labels; their default album dates do not establish their first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1987 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1987 release history of I Want Your Sex. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1987 Rhythm 1 - Lust studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original single: I Want Your Sex

I Want Your Sex (Rhythm 1 - Lust) - original single version
The original Rhythm 1 recording is explicitly identified and dated 1987 in the Sony single catalog. Faith's joined Parts 1 and 2, the separate Part 3 and Monogamy Mix are different presentations and not extra selections. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

Faith - original album program and separate bonus versions
The Sony catalog gives the original 1987 album and its ten-track program, including Father Figure, One More Try, Kissing a Fool and the original Monkey. Later deluxe bonus tracks have separate version labels; their default album dates do not establish their first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1987 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1987 release history of Faith. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1987 Faith album production
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Faith

Faith - original album program and separate bonus versions
The Sony catalog gives the original 1987 album and its ten-track program, including Father Figure, One More Try, Kissing a Fool and the original Monkey. Later deluxe bonus tracks have separate version labels; their default album dates do not establish their first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1990 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1990 release history of Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1990 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1

Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 - original album metadata
The original ten-track studio program is dated 1990, separately from the 2017 remaster. Heal the Pain is the original solo performance, not the later Paul McCartney duet. Praying for Time's pre-album single was also in 1990. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1990 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1990 release history of Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1990 solo studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1

Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 - original album metadata
The original ten-track studio program is dated 1990, separately from the 2017 remaster. Heal the Pain is the original solo performance, not the later Paul McCartney duet. Praying for Time's pre-album single was also in 1990. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1990 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1990 release history of Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1990 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1

Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 - original album metadata
The original ten-track studio program is dated 1990, separately from the 2017 remaster. Heal the Pain is the original solo performance, not the later Paul McCartney duet. Praying for Time's pre-album single was also in 1990. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1992 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1992 release history of Too Funky. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1992 single-edit recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original single: Too Funky

Too Funky - original single edit metadata
The Sony recording catalog explicitly identifies the single edit and retains its 1992 song date inside a later compilation. That original recording date, not the compilation year, is used. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1996 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1996 release history of Older. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1996 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Older

Older - original album and recording metadata
The original 1996 program identifies Jesus to a Child, Fastlove Part 1, Spinning the Wheel and You Have Been Loved. Jesus to a Child and Fastlove retain earlier single dates within that year; later remixes and Star People '97 are not substituted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1996 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1996 release history of Older. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1996 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Older

Older - original album and recording metadata
The original 1996 program identifies Jesus to a Child, Fastlove Part 1, Spinning the Wheel and You Have Been Loved. Jesus to a Child and Fastlove retain earlier single dates within that year; later remixes and Star People '97 are not substituted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1998 (year verified)

The original compilation description identifies Outside as a new recording for the 1998 project, and its song metadata retains an earlier single date within 1998. The later remaster copyright is not a first release.

Recording: Original 1998 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Ladies & Gentlemen

Ladies & Gentlemen - original compilation and recording-specific dates
The 1998 compilation identifies Outside as new for this project and includes the As duet. Only those new recordings use 1998; the older songs and separately named 1997 arrangements are not dated from the compilation or its current 2011 copyright line. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1998 (year verified)

The original duet appears in the 1998 compilation and retains 1998 recording metadata before its later single campaign. Stevie Wonder's original performance is a different recording.

Recording: Original 1998 studio duet with Mary J. Blige
Credit: George Michael and Mary J. Blige
Role in this collection: Co-lead vocalist with Mary J. Blige

Original album: Ladies & Gentlemen

As - George Michael and Mary J. Blige original duet metadata
The two singers are explicitly credited together on a recording dated 1998 within Ladies & Gentlemen, before the later single campaign. Stevie Wonder's earlier recording is a different performance. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

Ladies & Gentlemen - original compilation and recording-specific dates
The 1998 compilation identifies Outside as new for this project and includes the As duet. Only those new recordings use 1998; the older songs and separately named 1997 arrangements are not dated from the compilation or its current 2011 copyright line. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 1999 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 1999 release history of Songs from the Last Century. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 1999 George Michael studio cover recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Songs from the Last Century

Songs from the Last Century - original studio cover album
The original 1999 album and track list identify George Michael's studio performance of Roxanne, distinct from the Police recording and later George Michael live performances. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 2004 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 2004 release history of Patience. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 2004 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Patience

Patience - original album and track dates
The original 2004 album identifies Amazing and Flawless (Go to the City); Amazing's single preceded the album within 2004. Other tracks first issued earlier, such as Shoot the Dog, are not assigned an assumed new 2004 first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 2004 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 2004 release history of Patience. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 2004 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original album: Patience

Patience - original album and track dates
The original 2004 album identifies Amazing and Flawless (Go to the City); Amazing's single preceded the album within 2004. Other tracks first issued earlier, such as Shoot the Dog, are not assigned an assumed new 2004 first release. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

First released: 2006 (year verified)

The original recording is documented in the 2006 release history of An Easier Affair. Only year precision is assigned; later singles, charts, remasters and live versions do not establish its first release.

Recording: Original 2006 studio recording
Credit: George Michael
Role in this collection: Primary artist

Original single: An Easier Affair

An Easier Affair - original solo single
The original one-track Sony single is dated 2006, before its later Twenty Five compilation association. Conflicting exact commercial days within 2006 are not promoted to first-day precision. | Reviewed 2026-10-17

George Michael - official original album overview
The estate overview dates Faith to 1987, Listen Without Prejudice to 1990, Older to 1996, Songs from the Last Century to 1999 and Patience to 2004. It distinguishes solo albums from Wham! and later live work; promotional superlatives are not adopted. | Reviewed 2026-10-17